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Hooper handing SBS reins to Blackwell

KENT, WA (BRAIN) — Seattle Bike Supply's longtime leader, Chuck Hooper, will step aside this spring as Greg Blackwell becomes president of the distributor, which is owned by the Accell Group.

Blackwell comes to SBS after a 15-year tenure at powersports distributor Parts Unlimited.

“I am excited to welcome Greg as the new president of SBS — we couldn’t have found a better fit,” said Hooper. “Greg has a demonstrated passion for cycling, building brands and doing business with specialty dealers. He’s well known for creative sales leadership and will bring incredible value to a well-run business with a legacy for excellent dealer service.”

Hooper said he will formally step away from his role as president in May. He will continue "in a directional role."

“After 28 years at Seattle Bike Supply, the last 20 years as president, it will take a while to hand everything over and I would not feel right stepping down until everyone felt comfortable in their new roles,” said Hooper. “I am looking forward to retirement time but will be available to SBS and Accell to work on special projects after I step down as president.”

Seattle Bike Supply has four U.S. warehouses. The company also owns four proprietary bike brands – Redline, Torker, Pryme and XLL – and is the exclusive U.S. distributor for Lapierre Cycles, WeThePeople, Macneil, BeBop pedals and Basil bags. The company was founded in 1974 by Terry Heller. Accell Group bought the company in 2006.